The information contained on this page is provided as general health information and is not intended to substitute as medical advice and direction from your physician or health care provider. Please direct any questions related to your health care provider. In an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency center.

Alternative Names

Causes

The cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown. People with this condition have problems with the immune system. However, it is not clear if immune problems cause this illness. Stress and certain foods can trigger symptoms, but they do not cause ulcerative colitis.

Ulcerative colitis may affect any age group. There are peaks at ages 15 to 30 and then again at ages 50 to 70.

The disease begins in the rectal area. It may stay in the rectum or spread to higher areas of the large intestine. However, the disease does not skip areas. It may involve the entire large intestine over time.

Risk factors include a family history of ulcerative colitis or other autoimmune diseases, or Jewish ancestry.

Symptoms

The symptoms can be more or less severe. They may start slowly or suddenly. Half of people only have mild symptoms. Others have more severe attacks that occur more often. Many factors can lead to attacks.

Symptoms may include:

Pain in the abdomen (belly area) and cramping.

A gurgling or splashing sound heard over the intestine.

Blood and possibly pus in the stools.

Diarrhea, from only a few episodes to very often.

Fever.

Feeling that you need to pass stools, even though your bowels are already empty. It may involve straining, pain, and cramping (tenesmus).

Weight loss.

Children's growth may slow.

Other symptoms that may occur with ulcerative colitis include the following:

Limit milk products if you are lactose intolerant. Dairy products are a good source of protein and calcium.

STRESS

You may feel worried, embarrassed, or even sad or depressed about having a bowel accident. Other stressful events in your life, such as moving, or losing a job or a loved one can cause worsening of digestive problems.

Ask your health care provider for tips about how to manage your stress.

MEDICINES

Medicines that may be used to decrease the number of attacks include:

5-aminosalicylates such as mesalamine or sulfasalazine, which can help control moderate symptoms. Some forms of the drug are taken by mouth. Others must be inserted into the rectum.

Medicines to quiet the immune system.

Corticosteroids such as prednisone. They may be taken by mouth during a flare-up or inserted into the rectum.

Immunomodulators, medicines taken by mouth that affect the immune system, such as azathioprine and 6-MP.

Biologic therapy, if you do not respond to other drugs.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may help relieve mild pain. Avoid drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn). These can make your symptoms worse.

SURGERY

Surgery to remove the colon will cure ulcerative colitis and removes the threat of colon cancer. You may need surgery if you have:

Colitis that does not respond to complete medical therapy

Changes in the lining of the colon that can lead to cancer

Severe problems, such as rupture of the colon, severe bleeding, or toxic megacolon